Are your allergy symptoms driving you crazy?

Have red, itchy eyes become the norm? Do you find yourself sneezing your head off whenever you walk outside? Are those over-the-counter medications just not cutting it when it comes to managing your allergies? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then it might be time to take a little trip to see our allergy doctor, Dr. Alan Sheen, practicing in both Metairie and Covington, LA.

Allergy symptoms

Allergies are one of the most common chronic conditions affecting people across the globe with symptoms ranging from mild to potentially life-threatening. Common allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction include:

• Mold
• Dust
• Pollen
• Food
• Insect stings or bites
• Pet dander
• Medications
• Latex

How is an allergy diagnosed?

If you or a loved one is dealing with allergy symptoms, our Metairie allergist can help provide a definitive diagnosis so that you know what is causing your symptoms and how to best treat the issue. Our very own Dr. Sheen has received advanced and specialized training to be able to diagnose and help manage your allergy symptoms, no matter how serious they may be.

When you come into our office, your evaluation will consist of three important parts: a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and an administration of the proper allergy tests. Going through your medical history is important for us to better understand what might be triggering your symptoms. Our allergist may additionally recommend both a blood and skin test to check for sensitivities to common allergens.

The allergy skin test can be performed for pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, insect stings, and food allergies, while a blood test may be recommended if your skin is too sensitive for a skin test or if you are taking certain medications that could affect your test results.

What are my treatment options?

The treatment plan we create for you will depend on the type of allergy you are experiencing and how severe your symptoms are. The most obvious recommendation is to avoid the allergen whenever possible. Of course, you may also be prescribed certain allergy medications such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops, or decongestants.

We will also provide you with lifestyle modifications that can greatly reduce flare-ups. For example, we may recommend wearing a face mask while doing yard work, or using a HEPA air filter to remove allergens from your home. With proper medication and lifestyle changes, we can help you finally get your allergy symptoms under control.

Contact us today!

If you are living in the Metairie or Covington, LA, area and want to talk to our allergy specialist about more long-term and effective methods for tackling your allergy symptoms, call one of our offices today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheen: (504) 456-1999 for Metairie and (985) 246-6077 for Covington.